Scientific Outputs
Between 2010 and 2013, a unique and rich database consisting of a survey data with 8000 respondents, 360 in-depth interviews and observations was gathered and analyzed by the collaboration of eight partnering institutions. Koc University team was responsible of the data collection in four selected research areas in Turkey, Emirdağ (Afyon) as high emigration region, Dinar (Afyon) as low emigration region, Fatih as the region with immigration history and Van Merkez characterized by a specific human rights situation.
The most important finding is that migration to Europe is no longer an aspired life project in Turkey. Contrary to the established perception in Europe, the majority of the respondents prefer to stay in Turkey over going abroad. Respondents generally perceive human rights and democracy in Europe positively. However, negative perceptions such as xenophobia and discrimination against foreigners in Europe prevailed regarding the treatment of Turkish citizens in Europe.
Tackling ‘grand’ or societal challenges
The project provides a unique and comparative insight on how Europe is perceived from outside the EU, in countries such as Turkey, Morocco, Senegal, Ukraine. The findings and the comparative mixed-method methodological approach contribute to the study of perceptions, aspirations and intentions with regard to international human mobility.
Research-influenced changes in policy, agenda-setting
Based on data collected in four migrant sending countries, the need to promote human rights, transparency, econonomic opportunities, equal gender opportunities prevailed. High numbers of persons aspiring to migrate never translates into actual immigration because there is a discrepancy aspirations to migrate and capabilities to migrate. Rather than policies discouraging migration to Europe, the data has revealed that people's changing perceptions of own country and Europe can have an impact on their aspirations. In this respect, Eumagine project advocates mobility as a universal human right.
The improved exercise of professional skill
The comparative research methodology implemented in the Project provided a significant contribution to the professional skills and abilities of the researchers in the field.
Human capital development
Thanks to the academic "help" of "perception" studies , academic human resources improved substantially.
